Home » Reading & Literature » Folklore » The Clan Macfie

The Clan Macfie

© Virginia Marin

The Sword and Galley above is an emblem of Clan Macfie. The sword is a superb example of the old Highland two-handed claymore, with its cross-guard ending in four-ringed quillons. The galley is representative of Celtic immigration. The sword is also found on Celtic and Macfie tombs on Colonsay.

CEUD MILE FAILTE One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!

Visit the official web site of the Macfie Clan Society of North America.

In family folklore there are many colorful and brave stories surrounding the life and times of my Scottish ancestor, Martin Hugh Macfie (Mahaffey) who came into Charleston, South Carolina aboard the Brigantine, Chichester in January of 1768. In time, he forged his way into the backwoods, or up-country of the state, where he made life friends of the Cherokee. However, it is not so much he who captures my attention, but rather his Celtic progenitors from whom the name Macfie stems.

Macfie (Mahaffey) is a Scottish Gaelic name anglicized and derived through Mac Duffy from Mac Dhuibhshith (Son of Dubhsith), a name meaning Black One of Peace. Also, there was a family on the island of South Uist in the Hebrides known as Dubh-sidhe or Black Fairy (also means elf) from a tradition that they had been in long touch with the fairy folk. The Mcduffies or Macfies were a Hebridean clan from Colonsay who were also known as Dubh-sidhe.

Colonsay is one of the South Inner Hebrides. It is a small island eight miles long and three miles across. In 1981, the population was approximately 130. At low tide Colonsay is joined by land to Oronsay, an even smaller island, for about two or three hours. The coast line of Colonsay is rocky, but with several lovely beaches. The island's interior is rugged and fertile, where cattle and sheep of superior quality enjoy life in an equable climate. The island is also rich in fairy lore.

Most legends, folktales, balladry and some histories of the clan purport that it was on Colonsay that the Clan Macfie lived among the fae and their elf kin. The fairy folk have been a part of their lives from the beginning and contines, without doubt, into the present. They provided clan members with alms in times of need, and protection in times of onslaught from outsiders. These little folk also helped the people learn the art of husbandry native to the island. The fairies brightened dark days with play and music. And it has not been unheard of that someone in need was left a warm pair of shoes by a friendly elf. It is because of the close contacts with the fairy folk that the Clan Macfie is considered to have sprung from the ancient Celts.

The copyright of the article The Clan Macfie in Folklore is owned by Larry Low. Permission to republish The Clan Macfie in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.